Learn where to fish and more





Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife





*mefishwildlife.com*






Free Fishing Weekend is May 31 - June 1, 2025

woman fishing at sunset with calm lake in background [ [link removed] ]

No more excuses, it's time to cast a line!

Grab a rod, your favorite lure, a buddy, and head to a water near you! Oh, and don't forget the bug repellent. With more than 6,000 lakes and ponds and more than 32,000 miles of rivers, there is always a fishing opportunity near you.

Whether it's been a while since you have been fishing or your very first time, spending more time outside is always a good idea. 

"During Free Fishing Weekend, any person (except those whose license has been suspended or revoked) may fish without a license. All other laws and regulations apply on these days."

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________



Wondering where to fish?

app on a phone screen showing a map with fish stocking locations [ [link removed] ]

*Download ME Outdoors, our new app!*


* *Find places near you* to hunt, fish, trap, wildlife watch, and explore.
* *Access detailed maps* showing fish stocking locations, water access sites, wildlife management areas, game registration stations, wildlife management districts, expanded archery areas, and more.
* *Purchase and store* licenses, permits, and recreational vehicle registrations for yourself and others—right on your phone.
* *Stay informed* with quick access to Maine's outdoor laws.
* *Enjoy offline capabilities *for use even when you're out of service range.
* *And much more!* [ [link removed] ]

Download today to better plan your next outdoor adventure in Maine. Available now on the Apple App Store [ [link removed] ] and Google Play [ [link removed] ]. Search "ME Outdoors" or click the button below to get started.



*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________



stop aquatic hitchhikers text with red octagon with white boat icon at boat launch [ [link removed] ]
Protect our waters from aquatic invasive species 

*CLEAN*

* Clean off plants, animals, and mud from gear and equipment including waders, footwear, ropes, anchors, bait traps, dip nets, downrigger cables, fishing lines, and field gear before leaving water access.
* Scrub off any visible material on footwear with a stiff brush.
* Dispose of debris in a trash reciprocal or a responsible location away from the water.

DRAIN

* Drain water from the watercraft prior to entering a waterbody and when preparing to leave a launch site.
* Maine law requires that prior to entering a water body and when preparing to leave launch sites, boaters must remove or open any devices designed for routine removal/opening (for example, hull drain plugs, bailers, live wells, ballast tanks) to encourage draining of areas containing water (excluding live bait containers). This must be done in a way that does not allow drained water to enter any inland water of the state.
* Boats should NOT be drained on the boat launch ramp. Since the transfer of aquatic invasive species to new areas within a water body can worsen the infestation, especially in high traffic launch areas, the preferred practice is to prevent direct draining back into the water body even when leaving the water body

DRY

* Dry completely before reuse.


*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________



Outdoor Partners logo [ [link removed] ]
Enjoy your time on the water, and remember:

* *Leave no trace –* Carry out all that you carry in.
* *Park in public or designated areas *–** Don't block paths or other roads. Be mindful of muddy and soft roads.
* *Respect private property –* Utilize public access sites or areas where you have permission to park or access.
* *Be prepared –* Check the weather, bring what you need for the day, and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
* *Take care of your catch –* If you are practicing catch and release, do so quickly and responsibly. If you harvest your catch, please bring it home with you. If you harvest your catch, please bring it home with you. [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________







More information

Buy a fishing license [ [link removed] ]
Monthly fishing report [ [link removed] ]
Search Maine fishing laws [ [link removed] ]
Fishing Laws Online Angling Tool (FLOAT) [ [link removed] ]
Protect our waters from invasive species [ [link removed] ]
Fishing resources [ [link removed] ]
Current stocking report [ [link removed] ]
Maine Fishing Guide [ [link removed] ]
Fishing with soft plastic lures [ [link removed] ]
Learn how to be a good land user [ [link removed] ]
Hire a registered Maine guide [ [link removed] ]








Stay Connected with Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife:   Facebook [ [link removed] ] Twitter [ [link removed] ] Youtube [ [link removed] ] LinkedIn [ [link removed] ] Govdelivery [ [link removed] ]  

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Manage Subscriptions [ [link removed] ]  |  Unsubscribe All [ [link removed] ]  |  Help [ [link removed] ]



________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife ·41 State House Station · Augusta, ME 04333-0041 · (207) 287-8000 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]